Just Another Day

A party of Weolcen and rebel Fernwick were the first to come across the old grove. Broken tiles and stone columns littered the open areas between ancient and gnarled trees that almost fully obscured it from both aerial and ground view. Instead of leaving immediately to report their findings, they began to explore the ruins.

"You have returned," rumbled a husky voice as a scout neared the opening of what seemed to be an old building. The scout yipped and jumped back.

"Who's there?" he demanded.

A large and shaggy gryphon stepped out into the light, seemingly blind from old age, and curiously having four cat paws instead of just the customary two hindpaws.

"I am the Keeper," the opinicus stated.

"We were told to come here," the party captain stepped forward. "What is it we're supposed to do with this place?"

The old gryphon clacked his beak and scratched an itch on his chest before replying. "You must offer a sacrifice. You little miscreants have caused a good deal of headache during your time in this world, and you are long overdue for paying penance. And he will be coming for you soon."

"He? Who is 'he'?" The captain asked, and then snapped, "Then you tell him we will not go without a fight!"

"You have forgotten? Perhaps you should try to remember," the old gryphon cackled darkly. "So be it. Prepare now."

The scouts left to report to the others.